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Genesis 22:2
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- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Take now thy son - Bishop Warburton's observations on this passage are weighty and important. "The order in which the words are placed in the original gradually increases the sense, and raises the passions higher and higher: Take now thy son, (rather, take I beseech thee נא na), thine only son whom thou lovest, even Isaac. Jarchi imagines this minuteness was to preclude any doubt in Abraham. Abraham desired earnestly to be let into the mystery of redemption; and God, to instruct him in the infinite extent of the Divine goodness to mankind, who spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, let Abraham feel by experience what it was to lose a beloved son, the son born miraculously when Sarah was past child-bearing, as Jesus was miraculously born of a virgin. The duration, too, of the action, Gen 22:4, was the same as that between Christ's death and resurrection, both which are designed to be represented in it; and still farther not only the final archetypical sacrifice of the Son of God was figured in the command to offer Isaac, but the intermediate typical sacrifice in the Mosaic economy was represented by the permitted sacrifice of the ram offered up, Gen 22:13, instead of Isaac." See Dodd. Only son - All that he had by Sarah his legal wife. The land of Moriah - This is supposed to mean all the mountains of Jerusalem, comprehending Mount Gihon or Calvary, the mount of Sion and of Acra. As Mount Calvary is the highest ground to the west, and the mount of the temple is the lowest of the mounts, Mr. Mann conjectures that it was upon this mount Abraham offered up Isaac, which is well known to be the same mount on which our blessed Lord was crucified. Beer-sheba, where Abraham dwelt, is about forty-two miles distant from Jerusalem, and it is not to be wondered at that Abraham, Isaac, the two servants, and the ass laden with wood for the burnt-offering, did not reach this place till the third day; see Gen 22:4.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Take now thy son, &c.--Every circumstance mentioned was calculated to give a deeper stab to the parental bosom. To lose his only son, and by an act of his own hand, too!--what a host of conflicting feelings must the order have raised! But he heard and obeyed without a murmur (Gal 1:16; Luk 14:26).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he said, take now thy son,.... Directly, immediately; not thine ox, nor thy sheep, nor thy ram, nor thy lamb, nor thy servant, but thy son: thine only son Isaac; for, though Ishmael was his son, he was a son by his maid, by his concubine, and not by his wife; Isaac was his only legitimate son, his only son by his lawful wife Sarah; the only son of the promise, his only son, in whom his seed was to be called: whom thou lovest; on whom his affections were strongly set, being a lovely youth, a dutiful son, and the child of promise; on whom all his hope and expectation of a numerous offspring promised him was built, and in whose line the Messiah was to spring from him; even Isaac, which stands last in the original text: so that, if what had been said was not sufficient to describe him, he is expressed by name, and the description is gradually given, and the name of his son reserved to the last, that he might be by degrees prepared to receive the shocking order; every word is emphatic and striking, and enough to pierce any tender heart, and especially when told what was to be done to him. The Jews (i) represent God and Abraham in a discourse together upon this head: God said, take now thy son; says Abraham, I have two sons; take thine only son; says he, they are both only sons to their mothers; take him whom thou lovest; I love them both, replied he; then take Isaac; thus ended the debate: and get thee into the land of Moriah; so called by anticipation, from a mountain of that name in it; the Septuagint render it, "the high land", the hill country of the land of Canaan, particularly that part of it where Jerusalem afterwards stood, which was surrounded with hills: hence Aquila, another Greek interpreter, renders it, "conspicuous", as hills and mountains are, and a mountainous country is; Onkelos and Jonathan paraphrase it, "a land of worship", of religious worship; for in this country afterwards the people of God dwelt, the city of the living God was built, and in it the temple for divine service, and that upon Mount Moriah; and the Targum of Jerusalem has it here,"to Mount Moriah;''the Jews are divided about the reason of this name, some deriving it from a word (k) which signifies to "teach", and think it is so called, because doctrine or instruction came forth from thence to Israel; others from a word (l) which signifies "fear", and so had its name because fear or terror went from thence to the nations of the world (m); but its derivation is from another word (n), which signifies to "see", and which is confirmed by what is said Gen 22:14, and offer him there for a burnt offering; this was dreadful work he was called to, and must be exceeding trying to him as a man, and much more as a parent, and a professor of the true religion, to commit such an action; for by this order he was to cut the throat of his son, then to rip him up, and cut up his quarters, and then to lay every piece in order upon the wood, and then burn all to ashes; and this he was to do as a religious action, with deliberation, seriousness, and devotion: upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of; for there were several of them adjoining to, or pretty near each other, which afterwards went by different names, as Mount Sion, Deu 4:48; the hill Acra; Mount Calvary, Luk 23:33; and Mount Moriah, Ch2 3:1; supposed to be the mount intended; and so Aben Ezra says it was the place where the temple was built, and where was the threshing floor of Araunah, Ch2 3:1. Some learned men are of opinion, that the account which Sanchoniatho (o) gives of Cronus or Saturn sacrificing his own son, refers to this affair of Abraham's; his words are,"there being a pestilence and a mortality, Cronus offered up his only son a whole burnt offering to his father Ouranus;''which Porphyry (p), from the same historian, thus relates; Cronus, whom the Phoenicians call Israel, (a grandson of Abraham's, thought, through mistake, to be put for Abraham himself,) having an only son of a nymph of that country called Anobret, (which according to Bochart (q) signifies one that conceived by grace, see Heb 11:11;) whom therefore they called Jeoud (the same with Jehid here, an only once); so an only one is called by the Phoenicians; when the country was in great danger through war, this son, dressed in a royal habit, he offered up on an altar he had prepared. But others (r) are of a different sentiment, and cannot perceive any likeness between the two cases: however, Isaac may well be thought, in the whole of this, to be a type of the Messiah, the true and proper Son of God, his only begotten Son, the dear Son of his love, in whom all the promises are yea and amen; whom God out of his great love to men gave to be an offering and a sacrifice for their sins, and who suffered near Jerusalem, on Mount Calvary, which very probably was a part of Mount Moriah; and which, with other mountains joining in their root, though having different tops, went by that common name. (i) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 89. 2. Pirke Eliezer, c. 31. Jarchi in loc. (k) "docuit". (l) "timuit". (m) T. Bab. Taanith, fol. 16. 1. (n) "vidit". (o) Apud Euseb. Evangel. Praeparat. p. 38. (p) Apud ib. p. 40. & l. 4. c. 15. p. 156. (q) Canaan, l. 2. c. 2. col. 711, 712. (r) See Cumberland's Sanchoniatho, p. 37, 38, 134, &c.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
22:2 Obedience to God’s earlier call (12:1-3) was rewarded with great blessing; now Abraham had the opportunity to show even greater obedience. • Take your son . . . Isaac, whom you love so much: By this detailed description of Isaac, God reminded Abraham that the young man was his beloved son, and intensified his awareness of the cost of the sacrifice. • The name Moriah is explained by the Chronicler (2 Chr 3:1) as the place of the later Temple Mount in Jerusalem. • Go: By wording the command in this way, God helped Abraham to obey by recalling his former call (cp. 12:1-3).
Genesis 22:2
The Offering of Isaac
1Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered.2“Take your son,” God said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.”
- Scripture
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Testimony - Part 2
By Gladys Aylward7.2K45:01TestimonyGEN 22:2MAL 3:10MRK 16:15JAS 5:14In this sermon, the speaker shares about their experience running a children's home and the blessings they received from God. They also talk about their 60th birthday celebration and the importance of family. The speaker emphasizes the need to pray for the salvation of children in China and the responsibility to bring souls to God. They highlight the privilege of living in freedom and being able to read the Bible and pray, which is not available to millions in countries like Russia and China. The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross and the need to surrender ourselves completely to Him.
Love With Shoes On
By Darrell Champlin5.2K1:17:49MissionsGEN 3:15GEN 6:8GEN 12:1GEN 22:2REV 20:11REV 13:1REV 20:1In this sermon, the preacher recounts a missionary family's encounter with a strong wind that led them to a tragic event. However, the preacher emphasizes that this was not a tragedy but rather a test of their love for Jesus. The preacher then shares a personal experience of being in a fire and dancing on the hot coals, demonstrating the power of God's grace. He emphasizes the importance of believing in and receiving Jesus to avoid the consequences of hell. The sermon concludes with a reference to the power of Satan and the need for spiritual growth among believers.
Abraham's Commitment
By William MacDonald3.8K39:10AbrahamGEN 22:2GEN 22:13HEB 11:17In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of Abraham and Isaac from the Bible. He describes the intense moment when Abraham is ready to sacrifice his son Isaac as an act of obedience to God. Just as Abraham is about to plunge the knife, an angel of the Lord intervenes and stops him. The preacher emphasizes the faith and determination displayed by Abraham throughout this ordeal.
Genesis #17 Ch. 23-26 a Prophecy to Rebekah
By Chuck Missler3.6K1:22:17RebekahGEN 22:2GEN 24:1MAT 6:331PE 3:4In this sermon, Chuck Misler continues his study of the book of Genesis, focusing on chapters 23 through 26. He begins by briefly mentioning the previous topics covered in the study, including Abraham's offering of Isaac and Eleazar's calling of a bride for Isaac. Misler then jumps into chapter 23, which was skipped in the previous study, and discusses the events surrounding the death and burial of Sarah. He then moves on to chapter 24, where he highlights the story of Eleazar finding a wife for Isaac. Misler concludes by mentioning the upcoming topics of Jacob's conniving nature and the exciting story of Joseph.
The Provision of Grace
By Paris Reidhead3.3K42:39Grace Of GodGEN 22:2MAT 6:33ACT 2:38ACT 9:17GAL 2:20EPH 3:17In this sermon transcript, the speaker describes the scene of the apostle Paul dictating a letter from prison in Rome. Despite being chained to soldiers, Paul raises his hands and passionately declares that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think. The speaker also discusses the use of cassette tapes as a new way to disseminate God's truth and suggests that busy people can listen to sermons while driving. The sermon concludes with a humorous anecdote about a missionary conference and the benefits of using tapes for ministry.
The Genuine Baptism of Fire
By Zac Poonen2.5K27:48GEN 22:2LEV 1:9MAT 6:7ACT 1:8ACT 2:3ROM 12:11CO 6:19PHP 1:21JAS 4:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of offering ourselves completely to God, drawing parallels between the burnt offering in Leviticus and the surrender of our lives to God as seen in Romans 12:1. It warns against seeking imitation fires or fake experiences in charismatic churches, stressing the need for genuine surrender and devotion to God to receive the true baptism of the Holy Spirit that transforms lives and frees from sin and worldly desires.
The Damnation of Hell - Part 2 (Compilation)
By Compilations2.5K30:36CompilationGEN 22:2MAT 10:32MAT 18:3MRK 6:14ACT 2:41ROM 8:26HEB 10:17In this sermon, the preacher recounts a story of a little girl who had a powerful encounter with God during a church service. The preacher describes how the girl stood in awe and fear of God, and how she was deeply moved by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Despite not kneeling or praying, the girl held onto a pew tightly and wept uncontrollably. The preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and warns of the judgment that awaits those who do not turn to God. The preacher also expresses a desire to warn sinners and urges listeners to fear sin and seek a relationship with God.
The Israel of God - Part 2
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K31:35IsraelGEN 15:5GEN 22:2ISA 53:10JHN 12:24ROM 9:6GAL 3:7HEB 11:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of faith in Christianity. He states that faith is the foundation, continuation, and confirmation of the Christian life. It is the key to salvation, spiritual progress, service, prayer, and the perfecting of believers. The speaker highlights Abraham as an example of someone with great faith, who believed in God's promises despite difficult circumstances. He mentions how God tested Abraham's faith by delaying the fulfillment of his promises, but ultimately rewarded him with the birth of his son.
The Horizon of Christ - Part 7
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K44:09ChristGEN 22:2MAT 5:39ACT 4:13ROM 12:191CO 1:272CO 12:9PHP 2:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the transformation that occurred in the early members of the church when the power of God came down from heaven. The idea of weakness and being put to death was initially resented by these men, but when they witnessed the boldness of Peter and John after receiving the power of God, they were completely defeated in their attempts to explain and understand. The speaker emphasizes that this power came from heaven and completely changed the standard of values and ideas about power for these men. The sermon also highlights the importance of not attributing any glory to man, but rather giving all glory to God.
(Through the Bible) Genesis 21-23
By Chuck Smith1.4K52:03ExpositionalGEN 22:2MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ACT 2:471CO 15:4In this sermon transcript, the speaker recounts a situation where their church won first place in a contest. The speaker then describes a proposal made by the superintendent to engage in a competitive attendance contest with other churches. The speaker expresses their disagreement with using carnal motivation to drive attendance and questions the principle behind it. The speaker emphasizes their desire for a spiritual walk and life, and their belief that true motivation should come from a genuine relationship with God.
So That We Might Become the Righteousness of God
By Paul Washer1.3K1:16:12RighteousnessGEN 22:2DEU 29:20PSA 24:7MAT 6:33JHN 3:162CO 5:21In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the anticipation of the second part of the story of God's plan for salvation. He describes the scene of Jesus, the Son of God, being crucified on a tree, emphasizing the sacrifice and the love of God for humanity. The speaker also references Psalm 24, where Jesus, as the victorious and chosen one, calls for the gates of heaven to be opened. The sermon concludes with the story of Abraham and Isaac, highlighting Abraham's obedience and God's provision of a ram as a substitute for Isaac. The speaker emphasizes that this story is not the ending but a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice and provision of Jesus for humanity's redemption.
The Benefits of Calvary Everlasting Life
By William MacDonald1.2K52:52Everlasting LifeGEN 22:2DEU 6:5MAT 6:33LUK 9:57ROM 8:171CO 3:211PE 1:18In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of a man who was once involved in criminal activities and lived a life of immorality. However, this man experiences a transformation after getting saved and his life is completely changed. He now loves the things he once hated and hates the things he once loved. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being passionate about God and prioritizing Him above worldly pursuits. The sermon also highlights the significance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and the difficulty in finding words to adequately describe its magnitude.
Horton Haven Labor Day Retreat-10 Examples of Commitment
By William MacDonald1.2K31:17CommitmentGEN 22:2GEN 22:12DEU 6:5MAT 16:24MAT 22:37MRK 8:34LUK 9:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of total commitment to God. He references the commandment in Deuteronomy 6:5 to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. The preacher also highlights the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and the need for believers to offer their lives fully to God. The sermon then focuses on the example of Abraham and his unwavering commitment to God, even when faced with the difficult task of sacrificing his son Isaac.
A Message of Reconciliation
By Paul Washer1.2K45:24ReconciliationGEN 22:2EXO 20:5PSA 51:5MAT 6:33JHN 3:162CO 5:21GAL 3:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the offensive nature of the gospel and the justice of God in condemning sinners. He highlights the unity of the Scriptures by drawing parallels between the story of Abraham and John 3:16. The preacher discusses the concept of substitutionary atonement, where Jesus bears the sin of the world. He also addresses the question of how God can be both righteous and forgiving, emphasizing the need for justice and consistency in God's character.
Revival - Rivers of Living Water
By Gerhard Du Toit1.2K54:30RevivalGEN 22:2GEN 24:1EZK 47:1MAT 4:4MAT 16:24JHN 4:10JHN 7:38In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a man who visited him in a hotel and expressed his inability to sleep due to a phone call. The preacher suggests that this could be a message from God signaling the end and advises the man to find a new place. The man ignores the advice and ends up in jail, far from God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God's voice and not ignoring his warnings. He also references the story of Abraham and the sacrifice of Isaac, highlighting the faith and obedience required to follow God's instructions. The sermon also mentions the stages of water described in Ezekiel 47, symbolizing different levels of spiritual revival and prayer.
Thou Art My Messenger
By Steve Mays1.0K32:19Calling Of GodGEN 22:2JOB 1:8MAT 11:7MAT 22:37LUK 7:24ACT 23:11In this sermon, the speaker discusses the moments of failure and darkness in our lives where we feel like everything is falling apart. He emphasizes that it is in these moments that Jesus comes in and ministers to us. The speaker shares three important things to remember: a word of encouragement, a word of endorsement, and a word of excitement. He uses the example of Paul in prison to illustrate how even in our lowest points, God is still with us and we should be of good cheer. The speaker also mentions a four-part audio series called "Dare to Be Great" that explores tangible ways to pursue and strengthen our friendship with God.
Process of Becoming a Bride - Part 3
By Hattie Hammond1.0K1:27:23Bride Of ChristGEN 22:2MAT 6:33JHN 4:24ACT 1:3ROM 12:11CO 14:15HEB 13:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God's will. They acknowledge that even after battling, fasting, and commanding, the ultimate prayer should be for God's will to be done. The speaker shares a story of a woman who came to their meeting and was miraculously healed by God. They also discuss the significance of approaching God with humility and reverence, highlighting the disciples' awe at hearing Jesus pray. The speaker criticizes the idea of treating God like a vending machine, where one can obtain power through specific actions. They conclude by sharing their personal experience of facing trials and challenges as a preacher, but remaining committed to God's calling.
Acts 17_pt2
By Bill Gallatin8081:00:47ExpositionalGEN 22:2DEU 7:25ACT 17:271CO 10:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unity and harmony that will be experienced in the kingdom age. He highlights that God has a special plan and purpose for each individual, and that no one is inferior or superior to another. The preacher also discusses the accuracy of the Bible and reads a passage from Deuteronomy that speaks about driving out idolaters. Additionally, he mentions the impending destruction of the universe, but assures the audience that God will bring believers into His presence to dwell with Him forever and receive new bodies. The sermon concludes with the idea that everyday tasks can be acts of worship if dedicated to God.
Unless They Are Sent
By Dick Brogden79646:06MissionsGEN 22:2MAT 6:33MRK 10:23MRK 10:27MRK 10:29In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a personal experience that led him to contemplate the sacrifice of Abraham and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. He emphasizes the need for surrendering oneself and one's children to God, acknowledging that they belong to Him. The speaker also discusses the primary spirit controlling the Muslim world, which he identifies as fear. He concludes by sharing a difficult conversation he had with his daughter about giving up her toys, and how it led him to have a heartfelt conversation with Jesus about his family's struggles.
Vision #3
By Stephen Kaung7721:20:30GEN 22:2PRO 29:18MAT 6:33ROM 8:29EPH 1:4HEB 11:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of having a vision from God and allowing it to become a reality in our lives. He uses the example of Abraham, who saw a vision from God and believed in it, leading him to move to Canada. The preacher emphasizes that God wants this vision to become our testimony and for us to be transformed by it. He also highlights the struggles and challenges that come with following God's vision, but assures that God's love and power will sustain us through it all.
Old Testament Survey - Part 8
By Dick Woodward48426:57GEN 12:7GEN 13:18GEN 16:1GEN 21:1GEN 22:2GEN 22:13MAT 22:37ROM 12:1HEB 11:6This sermon delves into the story of Abraham in the book of Genesis, highlighting the importance of faith in pleasing God and the journey of surrendering everything to Him. It explores the significance of building altars as symbols of response, repentance, relationship, and reality in one's walk with God, emphasizing the need to prioritize God above all else and trust in His plans.
Week of Meetings 07 7 Facets of Love
By James K. Boswell39044:23GEN 13:2GEN 15:9GEN 22:2GEN 24:35MAT 6:33JHN 5:181JN 5:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the deep love of Jesus and how it is the driving force behind everything. The love of Jesus is described as powerful and unchanging, always leading and guiding believers. The preacher highlights the love between the Father and the Son, explaining that the Father has given all that he has to the Son as an expression of his love. This same love is extended to believers, making them heirs and linking them to Jesus. The sermon encourages listeners to worship and adore God for his incredible love.
Lessons From Elisha 02 I Am Debtor
By Joseph Balsan37950:35GEN 22:2LUK 7:41JHN 13:34JHN 15:9ROM 13:8ROM 13:10REV 20:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of being a debtor in the Christian life. He uses the story of a widow and her two sons who were in danger of being enslaved to pay their debt as an analogy. The preacher emphasizes that the Christian life is not one of slavery or bondage, but rather a supernatural life. He encourages individuals to be stirred up and to share their testimony with others, as it can have a powerful impact on someone's salvation. The sermon also includes a personal anecdote about a difficult situation in a church and the importance of loving one another.
True Worshipers
By George Warnock2131:07:52WorshipGEN 22:2JHN 9:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the Word of God is like rain that floods God's heritage, providing each person with what they need at that particular time. The Word of God is abundant and cannot be contained, flowing into streams, creeks, rivers, and eventually into the great oceans. The speaker highlights that God goes out of his way to keep us in line and bring us into tune with him, even if it means using measures that may seem challenging or uncomfortable. Obedience to God's will is emphasized as the highest form of worship, and the speaker encourages the congregation to seek God's will and do it.
Gospel of John (2nd Yr Study 7 of 19, Chap 11 Cont)
By G.W. North14655:35Christian LifeGEN 22:2MAT 6:33JHN 5:19JHN 11:15JHN 11:35JHN 11:43In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the lack of spiritual understanding in the world. He criticizes the psychologists on BBC for missing the spiritual aspect of life. The preacher then focuses on the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead by Jesus. He highlights the scientific and miraculous nature of the signs performed by Jesus in the Gospel of John. The sermon concludes with a mention of the reaction of the Jews and the Pharisees to the miracle of Lazarus' resurrection.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Take now thy son - Bishop Warburton's observations on this passage are weighty and important. "The order in which the words are placed in the original gradually increases the sense, and raises the passions higher and higher: Take now thy son, (rather, take I beseech thee נא na), thine only son whom thou lovest, even Isaac. Jarchi imagines this minuteness was to preclude any doubt in Abraham. Abraham desired earnestly to be let into the mystery of redemption; and God, to instruct him in the infinite extent of the Divine goodness to mankind, who spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, let Abraham feel by experience what it was to lose a beloved son, the son born miraculously when Sarah was past child-bearing, as Jesus was miraculously born of a virgin. The duration, too, of the action, Gen 22:4, was the same as that between Christ's death and resurrection, both which are designed to be represented in it; and still farther not only the final archetypical sacrifice of the Son of God was figured in the command to offer Isaac, but the intermediate typical sacrifice in the Mosaic economy was represented by the permitted sacrifice of the ram offered up, Gen 22:13, instead of Isaac." See Dodd. Only son - All that he had by Sarah his legal wife. The land of Moriah - This is supposed to mean all the mountains of Jerusalem, comprehending Mount Gihon or Calvary, the mount of Sion and of Acra. As Mount Calvary is the highest ground to the west, and the mount of the temple is the lowest of the mounts, Mr. Mann conjectures that it was upon this mount Abraham offered up Isaac, which is well known to be the same mount on which our blessed Lord was crucified. Beer-sheba, where Abraham dwelt, is about forty-two miles distant from Jerusalem, and it is not to be wondered at that Abraham, Isaac, the two servants, and the ass laden with wood for the burnt-offering, did not reach this place till the third day; see Gen 22:4.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Take now thy son, &c.--Every circumstance mentioned was calculated to give a deeper stab to the parental bosom. To lose his only son, and by an act of his own hand, too!--what a host of conflicting feelings must the order have raised! But he heard and obeyed without a murmur (Gal 1:16; Luk 14:26).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he said, take now thy son,.... Directly, immediately; not thine ox, nor thy sheep, nor thy ram, nor thy lamb, nor thy servant, but thy son: thine only son Isaac; for, though Ishmael was his son, he was a son by his maid, by his concubine, and not by his wife; Isaac was his only legitimate son, his only son by his lawful wife Sarah; the only son of the promise, his only son, in whom his seed was to be called: whom thou lovest; on whom his affections were strongly set, being a lovely youth, a dutiful son, and the child of promise; on whom all his hope and expectation of a numerous offspring promised him was built, and in whose line the Messiah was to spring from him; even Isaac, which stands last in the original text: so that, if what had been said was not sufficient to describe him, he is expressed by name, and the description is gradually given, and the name of his son reserved to the last, that he might be by degrees prepared to receive the shocking order; every word is emphatic and striking, and enough to pierce any tender heart, and especially when told what was to be done to him. The Jews (i) represent God and Abraham in a discourse together upon this head: God said, take now thy son; says Abraham, I have two sons; take thine only son; says he, they are both only sons to their mothers; take him whom thou lovest; I love them both, replied he; then take Isaac; thus ended the debate: and get thee into the land of Moriah; so called by anticipation, from a mountain of that name in it; the Septuagint render it, "the high land", the hill country of the land of Canaan, particularly that part of it where Jerusalem afterwards stood, which was surrounded with hills: hence Aquila, another Greek interpreter, renders it, "conspicuous", as hills and mountains are, and a mountainous country is; Onkelos and Jonathan paraphrase it, "a land of worship", of religious worship; for in this country afterwards the people of God dwelt, the city of the living God was built, and in it the temple for divine service, and that upon Mount Moriah; and the Targum of Jerusalem has it here,"to Mount Moriah;''the Jews are divided about the reason of this name, some deriving it from a word (k) which signifies to "teach", and think it is so called, because doctrine or instruction came forth from thence to Israel; others from a word (l) which signifies "fear", and so had its name because fear or terror went from thence to the nations of the world (m); but its derivation is from another word (n), which signifies to "see", and which is confirmed by what is said Gen 22:14, and offer him there for a burnt offering; this was dreadful work he was called to, and must be exceeding trying to him as a man, and much more as a parent, and a professor of the true religion, to commit such an action; for by this order he was to cut the throat of his son, then to rip him up, and cut up his quarters, and then to lay every piece in order upon the wood, and then burn all to ashes; and this he was to do as a religious action, with deliberation, seriousness, and devotion: upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of; for there were several of them adjoining to, or pretty near each other, which afterwards went by different names, as Mount Sion, Deu 4:48; the hill Acra; Mount Calvary, Luk 23:33; and Mount Moriah, Ch2 3:1; supposed to be the mount intended; and so Aben Ezra says it was the place where the temple was built, and where was the threshing floor of Araunah, Ch2 3:1. Some learned men are of opinion, that the account which Sanchoniatho (o) gives of Cronus or Saturn sacrificing his own son, refers to this affair of Abraham's; his words are,"there being a pestilence and a mortality, Cronus offered up his only son a whole burnt offering to his father Ouranus;''which Porphyry (p), from the same historian, thus relates; Cronus, whom the Phoenicians call Israel, (a grandson of Abraham's, thought, through mistake, to be put for Abraham himself,) having an only son of a nymph of that country called Anobret, (which according to Bochart (q) signifies one that conceived by grace, see Heb 11:11;) whom therefore they called Jeoud (the same with Jehid here, an only once); so an only one is called by the Phoenicians; when the country was in great danger through war, this son, dressed in a royal habit, he offered up on an altar he had prepared. But others (r) are of a different sentiment, and cannot perceive any likeness between the two cases: however, Isaac may well be thought, in the whole of this, to be a type of the Messiah, the true and proper Son of God, his only begotten Son, the dear Son of his love, in whom all the promises are yea and amen; whom God out of his great love to men gave to be an offering and a sacrifice for their sins, and who suffered near Jerusalem, on Mount Calvary, which very probably was a part of Mount Moriah; and which, with other mountains joining in their root, though having different tops, went by that common name. (i) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 89. 2. Pirke Eliezer, c. 31. Jarchi in loc. (k) "docuit". (l) "timuit". (m) T. Bab. Taanith, fol. 16. 1. (n) "vidit". (o) Apud Euseb. Evangel. Praeparat. p. 38. (p) Apud ib. p. 40. & l. 4. c. 15. p. 156. (q) Canaan, l. 2. c. 2. col. 711, 712. (r) See Cumberland's Sanchoniatho, p. 37, 38, 134, &c.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
22:2 Obedience to God’s earlier call (12:1-3) was rewarded with great blessing; now Abraham had the opportunity to show even greater obedience. • Take your son . . . Isaac, whom you love so much: By this detailed description of Isaac, God reminded Abraham that the young man was his beloved son, and intensified his awareness of the cost of the sacrifice. • The name Moriah is explained by the Chronicler (2 Chr 3:1) as the place of the later Temple Mount in Jerusalem. • Go: By wording the command in this way, God helped Abraham to obey by recalling his former call (cp. 12:1-3).